Can Allergies Cause Migraines
Its common to experience a headache caused by blocked sinuses during an allergy attack. But for some, its not just a headache its a migraine. Migraines and headaches are often confused, but migraines are medical conditions rather than a symptom or side effect like a headache is. For some people, migraines can be triggered by allergies.
How Do You Prevent Allergy Headaches
Avoiding triggers whenever possible is the best way to treat or prevent headaches.
If you arenât sure what is causing your allergy headaches, consider keeping a âheadache journalâ over a few days or weeks. This may help you identify potential causes and triggers for your allergies and headaches.
Once you have a better idea about what is causing your allergies and headaches, you can make any necessary changes to your home, schedule, or behavior. Depending on the triggers, you may need to alter the way you clean your home or the products you use, or make changes to your diet. You may have to remove specific plants or odors that can trigger your symptoms.
If you notice that your allergies and headaches are usually triggered outside, there are some options to limit your exposure.
- Stay indoors when triggers like pollen or mold are at their highest, or when it is windy.
- Keep windows closed, or avoid using window fans that can pull outdoor allergens into the house.
Tips For Avoiding Allergy
You might be able to cut down the number of allergy-related headaches by avoiding the allergens that trigger hay fever.
Understandably, its not always convenient or feasible to dodge allergens entirely, but here are some steps you can take to keep the allergens out of your house and away from your nose:
- Keep an eye on the pollen count in your area or where youll be traveling.
- Keep the windows in the house and car closed during peak pollen counts.
- Use air conditioning instead of fans in windows, which draw in mold and pollen.
- Run a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home to block mold growth.
- Wear a surgical or N95 mask to keep from breathing in pollen and molds, pet dander, or while doing household chores.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen from getting on your hair and in your eyes.
- Leave your shoes by the door when you come inside.
- Shower and wash your body and hair of pollens.
- Wash clothes that you wore outside before wearing them again.
- Wash bed linens frequently to help keep indoor and outdoor allergens away.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room right away. These can be signs of a more serious health condition:
- An excruciating headache
- Nausea and vomiting occurring with your headache
- Loss of consciousness or vision
If you are experiencing headaches frequently or have one that won’t resolve, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about medications you are using to treat headaches, discuss them during your appointment. Your healthcare provider can offer additional information and instructions on how to treat your headaches safely.
Migraine And Sinus Headache Have Overlapping Symptoms
Part of the reason for confusion is because oftentimes, migraine-related headaches mimic what people typically think of as sinus headaches, she explains. You can have pain over the sinuses and over the face with both types of headache. With migraine, there can also be symptoms that are similar to allergy symptoms, like a stuffy or runny nose and eye tearing, and that overlap can be why patients are misdiagnosed, says Hamilton.
However, there are some key symptoms of migraine that you wont find in other types of headaches, which can include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Some people with migraine have a visual aura that includes bright spots, lights, or colors prior to the onset of an attack, which wouldnt happen in a tension-type or sinus headache.
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Sinus Headache Or Migraine Attack
Some people confuse sinus headaches with migraine attacks. Allergies can trigger both, but its important to know the difference to treat them properly. A majority of sinus headaches are from infections and include symptoms like fever, pain and a colored mucus discharge. Allergies cause allergic rhinitis, which can result in a sinus headache that causes swelling in the sinus cavities. The swelling then blocks the openings and causes pressure build-up. This usually causes mild to severe pain in the sinus area. There are usually other multiple sinus symptoms when this occurs. Steam, decongestant and nasal spray can help relieve both allergic rhinitis and a sinus headache.
On the other hand, migraine attacks often include throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation and are generally on one side of the head. It can also cause nausea and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Taking migraine medication or pain relievers and relaxing in a dark, quiet room can usually help migraine symptoms. Migraine attacks can also have mild sinus symptoms like congestion and runny nose.
How To Find Relief When You Have An Allergy Headache
If you have an allergist in place already, it doesnt hurt to see them to make sure your medication is working for you.
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
In general, Dr. Kleva says theyll recommend that you use a nasal spray like Flonase, Rhinocort, or Nasacort to help keep things under control. However, she points out, these drugs take time to work and wont clear up your headache right away.
For quick relief, Dr. Kleva recommends reaching for an OTC antihistamine with a decongestant like Allegra-D, which you can pick up at most drugstores. These shouldnt be used longterm, though, she says.
Its also a good idea to avoid your triggers as best you can, Dr. Wright says .
And if youre still struggling, see your doctor. They can make recommendations based on your individual needs to help clear up your allergy headaches once and for all.
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You May Need Specialists To Treat Your Migraine And Allergies
Its important to be aware that migraine and allergies are commonly present in the same person and both issues need to be addressed, says Hamilton.
It might take potentially seeing different doctors both an allergist and a neurologist and trying different medications for both conditions. In some cases, you may not get complete relief until you address both issues, she says.
Allergy Headache Symptoms And Location
As mentioned, an allergy-induced headache might cause pain on the top of your head and on your face.
And because its allergy-related, you might also have some pollen allergy symptoms at the same time, such as a runny nose or stuffy nose and itchy or watery eyes.
Since allergy-induced headaches are primarily associated with migraines and sinuses, youre probably going to have symptoms related to those, too.
Lets break down the symptoms of migraines and sinusitis to help you determine which one may be related to an allergy headache.
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People With Migraine Are More Likely To Have Allergies
Migraine and allergies are both very common conditions, and its not at all unusual for people to have both, according to Katherine Hamilton, MD, an assistant professor of clinical neurology and a headache specialist at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.
Its also been shown in studies that people with migraine are more likely to have allergies, and people with allergies are more likely to have migraine, though we don’t understand exactly why that link exists. It may potentially be related to genetic factors, says Dr. Hamilton.
A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences found that migraine frequency in people with allergic rhinitis was four times higher than in those without allergic rhinitis. Of those with migraine, 95 percent experienced migraine without aura and 5 percent had migraine with aura.
Home Care & Natural Remedies
If youve been unable to avoid allergic headache triggers, there are accessible remedies out there to treat those symptoms.How do you get rid of an allergy headache? To get rid of an allergy headache, try over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays. These remedies work to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.Lots of water, steam baths, and warm washcloths applied to areas where youre feeling the most pressure can also help relieve your symptoms if youre seeking more natural remedies.
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Managing Allergy Headaches And Triggers
The key to managing your allergies and reducing headaches is limiting exposure to allergens and triggers.
- Stay indoors and keep the windows shut when pollen counts are high.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen from getting in your eyes.
- Use the air conditioning in your home and in your car. Make sure to change out the air filters regularly and keep AC units clean.
- Use mite-proof covers in your bedroom for pillows, comforters, and mattresses to reduce exposure to dust mites.
- Keep your homes humidity at 30-50% to reduce exposure to mold. Clean your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement regularly and use a dehumidifier in damp, humid places.
- Wash floors with a damp mop or rag to avoid dry-sweeping or dusting.
- If you are allergic to a pet, keep them outside of your home. If a pet must be kept indoors, keep it out of the bedroom so you are not exposed to allergens while you sleep.
- Replace carpeting with hardwood, tile or linoleum to reduce dander in the home.
Many sinus headache triggers are airborne and difficult to avoid. Discuss your options with your allergist to decide which treatment options are best for you.
The Curious Connection Between Migraines And Seasonal Allergies
If you have allergies, then you know they are usually the worst during the months of the late summer and through the fall. That means allergy season is right around the corner. To make matters worse, experts are saying that Texas can expect a more severe spring allergy season than usual. This could be due to the deep freeze that the state saw in February. The extreme weather conditions pushed the release of tree pollen closer to the start of grass pollen season, which means there are more allergens in the air.
Allergic conditions are one of the most common health issues that affect individuals in the U.S., particularly children. In 2018, 7.7% of adults and 7.2% of children were diagnosed with hay fever, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Allergic rhinitis causes inflammation and nasal congestion, which can activate the trigeminal nerve that is responsible for providing sensation to the face.
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Get Allergy Headache Treatment Online
Whether you are experiencing sinus headaches or migraines, you can get allergy headache treatment online.
Through a video or phone appointment, the trusted doctors at PlushCare can diagnose which type of allergy headache youâre experiencing and recommend or prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms. When appropriate, the doctor can electronically send a prescription to your local pharmacy.
Ready to tackle your allergy headaches? Book an appointment at PlushCare now!
Botox Injections For Migraines
If you have a history of suffering from migraines and would like to look into preventative measures, you might consider Botox ® injections. This might not be the first treatment you think of when you think about migraine treatment, but it can be quite effective. Novopelle Med Spa is happy to offer Botox for patients who are in good health.
Botox is an effective way to treat migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals and neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from the brain. Botox is able to stop the chemicals before they reach the nerve endings around the head and neck. Botox can be injected in seven specific muscle areas around the head and neck to prevent migraines before they start. Popular places to receive Botox for migraine treatment are the forehead, bridge of the nose, temples, neck, back of the head, and above the shoulder blades in the upper back.
A new study published in the American Journal of Managed Care has shown that long-term treatment with onabotulinumtoxin A, the active ingredient in Botox, yields a response rate of 65% after three courses of treatments in patients with chronic migraines. The results of Botox generally last between three and four months, but some patients are able to see the benefits for six months or longer. The effects of Botox wear off as the neurotoxin wears off, which allows the nerves to regain their ability to send signals to the muscles that allow them to begin working.
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Relief From Allergy Headaches
No matter what the cause of a headache allergies, tension or something else everyone wants a way to rid themselves of the pain as quickly as possible.
For an allergy headache, the first step is to identify and then avoid whatever triggers set off your headache in the first place. This may require making changes to your home or behavior. For instance, if dust triggers your allergy headaches, you may have to clean and vacuum more regularly.
Other ways to control environmental factors that can lead to allergy headaches, include:
- Limiting outdoor exposure when pollen counts are high
- Avoiding ventilation systems that draw air from outside into your home
- Wearing sunglasses to limit allergen exposure to your eyes
- Washing your hands, especially after petting animals or touching trigger substances
- Keeping the humidity in your home at low levels to limit exposure to mold
- Cleaning floors with a damp mop, rather than sweeping
- Placing an air purifier in your bedroom
Treating the allergy is the next line of defense. This may mean taking nonprescription medications to control allergy symptoms and any allergy-related headaches you experience. Options include antihistamines, oral and nasal decongestants, and intranasal corticosteroids.
If these steps fail, consult with an allergist. A trained allergy specialist can recommend other strategies, including prescription medications that may be more effective. The allergist may also recommend allergy shots to help you manage your allergies.
How Can I Treat And Prevent Allergy Headaches
Thebest way to prevent allergy headaches is to identify the things youre allergic to and avoid them as muchas possible. For example, if youreallergic to pollen, you should stay inside when pollen counts are at theirhighest, which is typically in the midmorning and early evening. You shouldalso wear glasses or sunglasses when outside, as allowing pollen to get intoyour eyes can cause your sinuses to become inflamed and trigger an allergyheadache.
Inaddition, you should clean up after coming into contact with allergens. If youre allergic to dogs or cats, forinstance, you should wash your hands after touching them and change yourclothes if youve heldthem close to your body.
Allergytreatments that can help prevent allergy headaches include allergy shots and over-the-countermedications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers.
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Something In The Air Allergy Headaches And The Environment
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 39 million Americans suffer from migraines and headaches. Thats just reported cases, so its likely much higher! Some of those migraines and headaches are allergy headaches. But its important to know that not all people who suffer from environmental allergies also suffer from chronic headaches or migraines. If you do have headaches, and allergies, allergies are more likely to trigger a headache.
Treatment For Allergy Headaches
If your allergy headaches persist, your allergist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to offer relief.
- Pain Relievers: Advil and Tylenol can offer short-term relief for sinus pain.
- Oral & Nasal Decongestants: Available in over the counter medications, these can treat nasal congestion and relieve pressure which causes sinus headaches.
- Antihistamines: Histamines are natural chemicals in your body responsible for your bodys response to allergens. Antihistamines help block these chemicals to reduce allergy symptoms. Both OTC and prescription antihistamines are available.
- Intranasal Corticosteroids: These medications are extremely effective at treating allergic rhinitis and help reduce sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
- Immunotherapy : If you dont respond well to medications or experience side effects, allergy shots may be recommended by your allergist for a more permanent solution to an allergy problem.
If youre experiencing sinus headaches and pain due to allergies, speak with your allergist for treatment options. Contact the professionals at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment today.
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Pains In The Nose And Face
The main reason that mold exposure may cause headaches is because, more often than not, mold spores can irritate the respiratory system and cause problems with the immune system, which can in turn aggravate the sinuses. And anyone who contends with seasonal allergies on a regular basis and/or is hyper-sensitive to changes in barometric pressure will tell you that irritated sinuses can result in a whopping headache.
Sinus headaches usually feel like dull, constant pressure in your cheekbones, your forehead, the bridge of your nose, or your inner ears. In severe cases, folks may almost feel like something is trying to push one of their eyes out of its socketand in very severe cases, a person may feel like their eye popping out would actually be a good thing, because at least then, they might experience some relief from the pressure in their skull!
The good news is that sinus headaches can typically be tamed with an over-the-counter painkiller, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages , too, thus helping to reduce some of the pressure and curbing discomfort at its source.
